Dr. K. Blake Danuser, a veteran of nearly three decades in human resources leadership for the University of Missouri System, has been appointed Interim Vice President for Human Resources. He is the interim successor for R. Kenneth Hutchinson, who retired at the end of 2007.

Since November 1999, Dr. Danuser has served as Associate Vice President for Human Resources for the four-campus UM System. His responsibilities in that role have included formulating human resources policies and procedures, directing human resources development, service, educational and grievance programs, and serving as the University's principal representative in labor union discussions. Dr. Danuser assumed the Interim Vice President's role effective January 1, 2008.

Dr. Danuser first began working in human resources for the University of Missouri in March 1980, when he became Coordinator of Employee Relations for the Columbia campus. He had previously served for seven years as Assistant Director of Admissions for the Columbia campus. Dr. Danuser joined the UM System in January 1982, as manager of Human Resources Development. He moved into increasingly responsible positions before his appointment as Assistant Vice President for Employee Relations in November 1999. Dr. Danuser became Associate Vice President in November 2002.

Dr. Danuser received his bachelors degree in English and his masters and doctoral degrees in higher and adult education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition to his human resources portfolio, Dr. Danuser has had an appointment since 1980 as an Assistant Professor in the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. In that capacity, Dr. Danuser teaches graduate classes in areas including adult education and organizational development, and he advises graduate students in course work and research.

A search committee has been appointed to consider candidates for the permanent vice presidency.

Editors: A high resolution photo of Blake Danuser is available online here: